christie is seeking $83 billion in extra disaster aid from the government. he's making the plea on behalf of his home state of new jersey, as well as for new york and connecticut. christie met with president obama at the white house first, then with house speaker john boehner at the capital. at a senate hearing thursday, senator charles schumer of new york presented his case for rebuilding the storm zone. "new york has no choice, we have to adapt. new york and new jersey are a waterfront region in the path of violent new weather realities." president obama meanwhile is seeking $50 billion from congress for emergency aid for 11 states with storm damage. the improving housing market is turning into a wealth builder for americans. according to the federal reserve, financial wealth in american households grew to $64 trillion, up $1.7 trillion during the 3rd quarter. here's how that happened: the value of real estate rose $300 billion, while stocks climbed $520 billion. economists have said an increase in wealth translates into consumer spending. the report from